Interning at Porcelanosa in Spain during the summer was an insightful opportunity. It provided me with new skillsets throughout arduous experiences as I was quickly immersed into a demanding and competitive workplace, where I was constantly required to complete tasks on short timeframes. My internship mainly concentrated on kitchen design, including both appliances and everyday household kitchen accessories. In short, commitment to designing kitchens and products that augment the aesthetics of clients’ homes and keep practicality in mind was paramount during this  internship.

The tools and skills that I picked up at the Academy were central in demonstrating my ability as a designer in every project that I was involved in. While many of the tasks required individual work, I was also fortuitous enough to cooperate with and learn from my fellow colleagues. I quickly learnt that being part of a team is crucial for the effectiveness of an office that deals with products from the factory to the counter.

Daily work entailed projects ranging from their initial stage all the way to their completion. Ideation planning of a given project, drafting and rendering, and the supervision of whole kitchen assemblies were common tasks. However, not only was my design aptitude put to test, but also were my interpersonal skills. Meetings with clientele were demanding, as I had to ensure that their schematic wants and needs were being met.

It was particularly pleasing to partake in a project from its conception and seeing it through to its final stage. As designs were assembled on site, utmost precision in the initial stages was essential in guaranteeing a successful and speedy manufacture. As such, I am elated to say that responsibilities were indeed very real, and that the work was key in my development of certain characteristics that I believe that all designers must possess – meticulousness, professionalism, confidence and perception.